China is a high-risk country for Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is predicted that if not effectively prevented and controlled, there will be 21.6 million cases in China by 2030 AD patient.

 

AD It is a disease that gradually destroys memory and thinking abilities. It takes several years or even decades for patients to develop from mild memory and cognitive impairment to complete loss of self-care ability, which is an extremely painful process for both patients and their families.

 

AD The etiology of the disease is complex, and genes are one of the important mechanisms for its onset. For high-risk populations carrying pathogenic or risk genes, targeted early screening is crucial for prevention and treatment AD Very important.

 

AD Which genes are related to it?

give AD The genes related to disease can be divided into two categories: pathogenic genes and risk genes——

 

01 Directly pathogenic 'bad genes'

A small portion (about 5%) AD The patient developed the disease before the age of 65, which belongs to early-onset or familial type AD， Often carrying pathogenic genes.

 

The pathogenic genes mainly include three types:

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene on chromosome 21

The presenilin 1 (PS1) gene on chromosome 14

The presenilin 2 (PS2) gene on chromosome 1

If these genes mutate, it's like a problem with the factory's assembly line, which will produce a large amount of a product called β Harmful substances of amyloid beta protein (A β). Aβ Continuously accumulating in the brain, affecting the function of normal brain cells.

Carrying mutations PS1、PS2、APP Genetic population affected AD The probabilities are 100%, 95%, and 100%, respectively.

 

02 'Dangerous genes' that increase risk

most AD The patient developed the disease after the age of 65, which is late-onset or sporadic AD。

ApoE ε4 Genes are the primary genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (apolipoprotein on chromosome 19) E ε4）， It can make AD The risk of onset increases and the age of onset is advanced.

Heterozygous and homozygous types ApoE ε4 Carrier patient AD The risks are 3.2 times and 8-12 times higher for non carriers, respectively.

 

Will carrying risk genes necessarily lead to illness?

Unlike pathogenic genes, carrying risk genes only increases AD Risk of onset, but not necessarily.

AD The onset of the disease is related to multiple factors. Even if carrying risk genes, through scientific intervention, AD The risk of developing the disease can also be reduced.

To reduce the risk of disease, attention should be paid to the following three aspects——

 

01 Adjusting Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, and special attention should be paid to the following aspects for brain cognitive health.

 

balanced diet

Multiple healthy eating patterns have been proven to slow down cognitive decline in the elderly——

Mediterranean diet (MD)

•DASH Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension

•MIND Diet (Mediterranean DASH intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay)

MIND Diet:

Encourage intake of foods such as whole grains, leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, beans, berries, poultry, fish, olive oil, etc.

• The restricted foods include red meat and processed meat products, candy Dim sum, butter and margarine, cheese, fried food and fast food.
 

 

regular exercise

In terms of exercise frequency and duration, it is recommended to exercise 3-5 times a week, totaling at least 150 min。

In terms of exercise forms, aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, balance training, and traditional sports such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin can be combined.

 

Enhance cognitive reserve

Participating in interest groups, gatherings, and group outings can help enhance cognitive reserves and improve cognitive function.

Learning new skills such as reading, painting, handicrafts, instrument playing, singing, dancing, and puzzle games can enhance situational memory, working memory, executive function, and language ability, improve cognitive reserve, and enhance cognitive function.

Recommend activities that combine mental exercise and social attributes, such as dancing, choir, and orchestra.

 

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Compared to continuous smokers, non-smokers and those who quit smoking for a longer period of time have a 19% and 14% lower risk of developing dementia, respectively.

It is recommended not to drink alcohol or to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed. The maximum daily alcohol intake for adults should not exceed 15 g。

 

Pay attention to and maintain mental health

Repetitive negative thinking and cognitive decline in daily life, leading to AD The deposition of two harmful proteins is related.

 

02 Prevention and treatment of related diseases

Epidemiological studies show that the intervenable risk factors of dementia are also related to some diseases, such as hearing impairment, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc. in middle age.

The superposition of risk factors can greatly increase the risk of dementia and accelerate the progression of dementia.

The Lancet report shows that early intervention in these factors can reduce the incidence of dementia by 40%.

 

03 Enhance prevention awareness

AD 15-20 years before obvious symptoms appear, abnormal changes begin to occur in the brain.

Therefore, individuals carrying risk genes are advised to pay early attention to their cognitive health. Especially if there are dementia patients in the family, we should be more vigilant.

 

Please remember: It's never too early to protect the brain!

 

Brain health screening, go to Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital

Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital has launched the "Brain Health Screening" package, which can help people in need detect cognitive problems in the brain early.

The upgraded version includes Alzheimer's susceptibility genes APOE Heterogeneity testing can be used to detect the presence of risk genes, in order to facilitate early prevention and intervention under the guidance of a doctor.

 

For the crowd

set menu A Standard Edition
To help people detect the risk of early cognitive decline through non-invasive and simple methods, suitable for annual routine check ups for individuals aged 45 and above.
 

set menu B comprehensive edition
The comprehensive examination for early identification and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease designed according to guidelines and expert consensus is suitable for individuals suspected of cognitive decline or those at risk of cognitive decline detected through initial screening.

 

Details can be added WhatsApp（ Number:+852 6673 5099 Customer service consultation and understanding

 

References:

[1] Lin Lu, Ma Xin, Wang Gang, etc Early Prevention Guidelines for Alzheimer's Disease in China (2024) Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Diseases 2024，7（3）：168-175.  

[2] Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Group, Neurology Branch, Chinese Medical Association National Consensus on Diagnosis and Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment Caused by Alzheimer's Disease 2024 Chinese Journal of Neurology, 2024, 57 (7): 715-737

[3] Office of the National Health Commission Diagnosis and Treatment Standards for Alzheimer's Disease (2020 Edition)

[4] ApoE ε4 The consensus writing group with Alzheimer's disease experts, the Neurodegenerative Disease Professional Committee of the Chinese Association for the Promotion of Human Health Science and Technology, and the Yantai Regional Branch of the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Neurological Diseases ApoE ε4. Expert consensus on the standardized application of testing in clinical practice of Alzheimer's disease Chinese Journal of Modern Neurological Diseases, 2024, 24 (8): 657-667

[5] The Chinese Expert Consensus on Brain Cognitive Health Management and the Editorial Committee of the Chinese Journal of Health Management Consensus of Chinese Experts on Brain Cognitive Health Management (2023) Chinese Journal of Health Management, 2023, 17 (12): 881-892

[6] https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/mind-diet/